Maxbrücke (Max Bridge), Nuremberg

Max Bridge is a historic stone arch bridge spanning the Pegnitz River in Nuremberg. Built in 1457 by Jakob Grimm, a master builder from Rothenburg, it is regarded as Nuremberg’s oldest stone bridge. Originally known as the Stone Bridge, it features three sandstone arches with intricate tracery fillings made of cast iron.

The bridge was renamed Max Bridge in 1810 in honour of Bavarian King Maximilian I Joseph. Around this time, two stone bulwarks were installed on the bridge to strengthen the city’s defences against attacks from the river. The renaming also gave the adjacent area its current name, further cementing the bridge’s royal connection.

Max Bridge suffered significant damage when a fire broke out at the wooden water tower of the Nail Mill on its northern bank. It was subsequently restored and reopened in 1852 according to designs by Bernhard Solger. Today, Max Bridge remains an important pedestrian crossing and offers picturesque views of the Pegnitz River and surrounding historic buildings.

Close to Max Bridge stands an emblematic medieval building that originally served as the imperial city’s wine warehouse from around 1571. Today, it is one of the most celebrated architectural monuments along Nuremberg’s Historical Mile. Nearby, Hangman’s Bridge, also built in 1457, is another notable historic landmark. Originally constructed for the town’s hangman, it was rebuilt with a roof after a flood in 1595, adding to the Old Town’s picturesque historical character.